The key facts
- Storm Austin is the first named storm of the season in the UK, with gusts up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
- Yellow warning for Friday from 00:00 to 14:00 BST; for Cornwall from 03:00 to 10:00 — amber level
- Businesses and residents are securing buildings and stocking up on torches, candles and radios in case of power cuts
Storm Austin approaches
Residents and businesses in Devon and Cornwall are putting extra safety measures in place ahead of the first named storm of the season — Austin. According to the Met Office, from Thursday evening the region will be hit by gusts of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) and heavy rain. The conditions will also affect parts of Wales, the south coast of England, Wiltshire and Somerset, prompting two weather warnings for Friday.
Met Office warnings
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Friday from 00:00 to 14:00 BST for Devon, Cornwall, southern Wales, the south coast of England, Wiltshire and Somerset — with likely transport disruption and possible damage from wind. From 03:00 to 10:00, the level for Cornwall has been raised to amber; possible consequences include power cuts and damage to buildings. The agency advises checking and securing loose items outside homes: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
Lessons from Storm Goretti
The owners of The Watering Hole bar on Perranporth beach are taking extra measures after the venue was damaged by Storm Goretti in January. Jamie-Lee Job said that back then the wind physically lifted several glass panels and smashed them through the roof canopy. 'It was quite scary — we've been through a lot of storms, but we underestimated that one,' she said. Staff are now securing parts of the building. 'We're doing everything we can to make sure everything is secured, and we hope the roof stays in place.'
Residents and authorities prepare
Residents of Perranporth have stocked up on torches, candles, flasks and a rechargeable radio in case of a power cut. Cornwall Council urged people to prepare for the storm and avoid exposed coastal areas on Thursday evening and Friday: 'Strong winds and large waves can make conditions extremely dangerous.' Camborne Rugby Club is closing its grounds for at least 24 hours from 15:00 on Thursday, and the clubhouse from around 22:00.
Devon: businesses and services
In Devon, the Pebbleridge Kitchen café near Northern Burrows park is preparing according to a well-rehearsed routine. Josie Tennant, operations manager at Royal George Group, said furniture is moved against the building, rain shutters are lowered and red warnings are monitored. The RNLI reminded people to take 'extreme care' near the shore, especially on exposed cliffs and promenades. Appledore RNLI Coxswain Simon McCarthy said the crew is ready to launch 'at any moment', the boats have been additionally secured, and during an amber warning all-weather lifeboats are more often required. 'We really want people to be sensible. The sea always wins,' he added. Devon County Council will deploy extra staff at the Operations Control Centre; cabinet member for highways Dan Thomas noted the risk of falling trees and branches, as many trees are still in leaf after the dry weather.
Impact on events
The storm has also affected the Dartmouth Food Festival: organisers have moved some events planned for Friday to Saturday morning.
Staff at Perranporth's Watering Hole bar have secured parts of the building before Storm Austen
Jamie-Lee Job said The Watering Hole lost a lot of glass panelling during Storm Goretti in January
The Watering Hole was badly damaged by a storm in January
Josie Tennant said the Pebbleridge Kitchen in Devon had a plan in place for the high winds
RNLI Coxswain Simon McCarthy said his crew was ready to go out at any time
